Broad leaf cudweed

American Painted Lady caterpillars hide in a nest made of cudweed bloom or leaves.

Botanical Name: Gnaphalium sp.

Common Names: Cudweed

Plant type: Short annual weed.

Light: Sun, light shade, shade

Size: Grows to 2 feet, depending upon species

Water: Drought tolerant

Soil: Well drained soil

Propagation: Seed

Note: Host plant for American Painted Lady butterfly Vanessa atalanta. Common Buckeye butterfly caterpillars will also use cudweed as a host plant in rare circumstances. Painted Lady butterfly caterpillars will also eat cudweed.